Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill attention amid a reported £65m release clause for his prospective mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable from a wide player who has six finishes and three setups who is delightful to watch. Still, his team are in an tricky situation, experiencing a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games over their previous two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet confronting a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game for months could be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the national team
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he could give me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes compared to any English player in England's top division this term on six and will be eager to increase that count as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club last year following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. Fulham's next four games take in three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for the club that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's side need a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from their current spot, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance arises as seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus sides at the moment in the bottom half in the league. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and fast breaks that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent at club level in a month following a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
